Gate: The New Empire

Chapter 9: Welcome To Earth

The Gate's familiar imposing structure with large roman like design, today is the day begining the new era of earth and will forever will be change. The party stepped through. Itami's group consisted of Second Lieutenant Itami, Princess Piña Co Lada, her knight Bozes Co Palesti, the mage Lelei La Lalena, the elf Tuka Luna Marceau, and, of course, the towering figures of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, along with their ever-present Royal Guards. Though the JSDF had been briefed on the nature of the Empire, the arrival of these powerful figures still struck awe into the hearts of those stationed at the Gate.

Unlike their usual reception in the Special Region, where the Galactic Empire's representatives had already become a known presence, this was Earth-an entirely different world. But for those accompanying Piña, Bozes, and the others, this was a familiar everyday breakfast. The JSDF personnel stationed in the Special Region had already encountered the Empire before, so it wasn't as much of a surprise, but the menacing figures of Vader and Palpatine were still imposing. The soldiers gave a respectful nod, accustomed to these figures of authority, but there was a clear unease in the air.

Piña glanced around at the base's surroundings-the unmistakable signs of a highly advanced military-before she met the gaze of Itami. "This is... Japan?" she asked, unsure of how to react to this strange world.

Itami nodded, adjusting his uniform. "Yes, Your Highness. This is where you'll meet the government officials." He glanced at the looming figures of Vader and Palpatine. "They're used to you on the other side, but here, things will be different."

The JSDF soldiers offered Piña a warm but restrained greeting, aware of the diplomatic significance of the moment. "You're in good hands," Itami said, motioning for the group to follow him as they proceeded to the waiting vehicles. Despite the familiarity of the Galactic Empire in the Special Region, this would be an entirely new experience for the Princess and her companions.

As they traveled toward the bustling heart of Japan, Piña, Bozes, and Tuka remained in awe of the foreign land. The sheer scale of the roads, the cityscape, and the overwhelming presence of skyscrapers filled them with wonder. The roads were lined with cars, and the rapid pace at which they moved was unlike anything the princess had seen. She turned to Itami with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"How do they manage such fast travel without horses or carriages?" Piña asked, her voice laced with fascination. Bozes, who had seen the technological wonders back in the Special Region but never anything like this, was still in disbelief.

"It's all powered by engines," Itami replied, doing his best to explain in simple terms. "No magic, just advanced engineering."

Lelei, more intrigued by the workings of the world, asked, "So there's no use of magic here at all?"

"It's true. They've developed their own technology," Itami answered, though his tone held a hint of pride in Japan's achievements.

Vader, watching the procession through the window, spoke up. "Impressive. A world filled with such technological marvels, and yet it is still primitive in comparison to what we control in the galaxy."

Tuka peered out of the window at the bustling city streets, marveling at the lights, the vehicles, and the people walking swiftly in every direction. "It's all so... fast," she muttered, a mix of awe and confusion in her voice. "How do they keep track of all of it?"

Palpatine, sitting with his hood up, observed silently, though his slight smirk hinted at some deeper thoughts about the world they were now in. The Emperor was particularly interested in the advanced systems of governance and technology, but he wasn't vocal yet, allowing the others to experience it firsthand.

The drive to the city center was filled with questions, but also a sense of quiet tension. This was a new world, with new rules-and it wasn't just the natives who were struggling to adjust. Even the Galactic Empire's most feared figures couldn't quite predict how Earth would respond.